A happy cactus may even surprise you with vibrant blooms, a bonus for plants that already thrill with otherworldly shapes and spiny textures. The slow growth and easy care requirements of these popular varieties will add charm to mixed container plantings and make elegant standalone specimens as well. Half the fun is choosing a cactus for indoors since numerous species come in different shapes and sizes. Learn if the type of cactus houseplant you choose has a dormant period in the winter that require less light and watering or if it’s toxic to pets. Another thing to note when choosing a cactus vs. a succulent: all cacti are considered succulents, but not all succulents are considered cacti. Read on to learn about eight indoor cactus types with tips on indoor cactus care and pictures to help you easily identify the type of shape and size you’d like for your plant.
Light: Full sunWater: Moisten; don’t soakColor varieties: Pale yellow
Light: Direct lightWater: Water regularlyColor varieties: Violet-red, pink, and orange
Light: Full sun to partial shadeWater: Twice a monthColor varieties: Reddish-purple leaves
Light: Full sunWater: Every 10 to 14 daysColor varieties: White with yellow centers
If you are looking for a type of cactus similar to this, try the powder puff cactus (Mammillaria bocasana), another small indoor cactus type that grows only a few inches tall.
Light: Bright, even lightWater: Bi-weekly to monthlyColor varieties: Pink
Light: Full sunlightWater: InfrequentlyColor varieties: Yellow
Light: Diffused lightWater: Regularly, allowing the soil to dry between wateringsColor varieties: Pink
Light: Partial to full sun Water: Sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings Color varieties: Brownish-yellow to orange
